Wednesday, September 22, 2004

2004 Annual report

BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848

Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2004

Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Website - Mike Cooney, Publicity - Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Mel Poyda,

Conductors
Mike Smethurst-Evans, who had been our conductor for four years, “retired” after the Christmas concert, and a presentation of an album (beautifully prepared by Mike Cooney) was made to him at a party afterwards. Torbjorn Hultmark was appointed as his replacement, but unfortunately, other work commitments prevented him from fulfilling the role. We were, however, very fortunate that David Wirdnam was available, and his appointment was ratified at a special meeting of the band in February 2004. He has conducted the band with great enthusiasm and attention to detail, which has helped the band to continue the development started by Mike Smethurst-Evans.

Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.

Membership and rehearsals
We have had 39 paying members during the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals was over 30. At 77% this is high for a band like ours, and is a credit to the conductors. We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School Hall. In addition to the main band, satellite chamber groups are encouraged. In particular a saxophone ensemble has met regularly, under the guidance of Lynne Ellis.

Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. We are very grateful to South Berks Concert Band, who have lent us much of our music this year. This has enabled us to sight read more pieces than usual, and has also kept costs down. It has however meant more work for Ann Moore, our incredibly conscientious and efficient librarian, so we all owe her a big debt of gratitude!

Performances
6 September 2003 Enborne Flower Show
14 November 2003 Ashford Hill Church
22 November 2003 Compton Church
13 December 2003 Newbury Methodist Church
18 December 2003 Carols at Beenham
15 May 2004 Mortimer Church
26 June 2004 Newbury Summer Show
4 July 2004 Newbury Carnival
16 July 2004 Open air concert in Beenham

Music weekend
Our second annual weekend of music on 10 and 11 January 2004, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Trevor Defferd and Chris Mitchell were our guest conductors, and we took pleasure in learning new pieces, as well as good company and the amazing environment. We have already booked the 2005 weekend for 28 and 29 January 2005.

Tour
Unfortunately, our planned trip to France did not materialise. We are keen to do a tour, but recognise that it takes a lot of planning and a long lead time.

Social
Fiona and Keith Benjamin again hosted a BBQ at their house on 17 July 2004, which was much enjoyed by all.

Publicity
The web site (http://www.beenhamband.org.uk/) has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and excellent stand banners have been produced by Ann Moore.

Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2004 is attached. Our income exceeded our expenses by £453. This was better than budget by £434, mainly because we spent less on music and conductors’ fees than anticipated. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which gives us a grant to cover the cost of hiring the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals. Subscriptions for 2003/04 were £60 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that these remain unchanged for 2004/05. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.

Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was developed in 2001, and is regularly reviewed.

Simon Witcomb - chairman
22 September 2004